Nectarine tree named ‘Wanectfour’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica nucipersica), which is denominated varietally as ‘Wanectfour’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarines which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately July 8 to July 18 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Botanical designation: ‘Prunus persica nucipersica’.

Varietal denomination: ‘Wanectfour’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of nectarine tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of deciduous fruit varieties and rootstocks by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus species. To this end, both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations are made each year to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling ‘Wanectfour’ was originated by the breeders and selected from a population of seedlings growing in an experimental orchard located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were derived from planting seed of the variety ‘Burnecttwo’ nectarine tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,555), which was used as the female parent, and pollenated by an unnamed, unpatented selection of a nectarine variety. The resulting fruit of this controlled cross was collected from the female parent at a mature stage, and seeds were extracted in July of 2008. After a period of stratification, the seed was placed in the greenhouse by population and then field planted for tree establishment and, ultimately, to exhibit fruit for evaluation. One yellow-fleshed nectarine seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics and was designated as ‘H8.087’. This seedling was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2014 fruiting season, the new variety of nectarine tree was selected for advanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was accomplished by budding the new nectarine tree onto 30 trees of ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed by the breeders in an experimental orchard located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of these asexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established and appear to be transmitted through these succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF VARIETY

‘Wanectfour’ is a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which is considered of relatively large size, and which has a vigorous growth characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, yellow-fleshed, clingstone fruit which have a very good flavor and eating qualities.

This new nectarine tree has a medium chilling requirement of approximately 550 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit of the new nectarine also appears to have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Wanectfour’ nectarine tree bears fruit which are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately July 8 to July 18 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Burnecttwo’ nectarine tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,555), which is the closest known variety, the current variety of nectarine tree bears fruit that is ready for harvest 8 to 10 days later. Additionally, the present variety exhibits lower titratable acidity (0.37 to 0.47) than its seed parent, Burnecttwo (0.8 to 0.1.1). When compared to its unnamed, unpatented white-fleshed pollen parent, the current variety is yellow-fleshed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a color photograph of two whole mature fruit harvested from a seventh leaf year tree, displaying both the apical and basal fruit aspects. One mature fruit is bisected transversely through the equatorial plane, which reveals the flesh color. The external coloration of the fruit as shown in the photograph is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph of the flower buds, flower petals, and flower blooms taken from a fifth leaf year tree.

The colors in these photographs are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing, and printing, the flowers and fruit depicted in these photographs may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) and descriptions provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty (either expressed or implied) that the present variety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological, or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observed during the fourth fruiting season, and under the ecological conditions prevailing at orchards located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of Calif. All major color code designations are by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally considered medium to medium-large in its             growth pattern as compared to other common commercial             nectarine cultivars ripening in the mid-season of maturity.             The tree of the present variety was pruned to a height of             about 270.0 cm to about 310.0 cm at commercial maturity.             Fruit size can vary with crop load and the conditions under             which the fruit and tree are grown.         -   Width.—About 265.0 cm.         -   Vigor.—Considered moderately vigorous. The present peach             tree variety grew from about 165.0 cm to about 170.0 cm in             height during the first growing season. The new variety was             pruned to a height of about 150.0 cm during the first             dormant season, and primary scaffolds were then selected for             the desired tree structure.         -   Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from more than             the desired crop load, to levels higher than desired             amounts, when the new variety is grown in a suitable             horticultural zone, and under appropriate commercial nursery             conditions. The fruit set is spaced by thinning to develop             the remaining fruit into the desired market-sized fruit. The             number of the fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic             conditions, and the cultural practices employed.         -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been more than             adequate during the previous years of observation, and             thinning was necessary during the past 9 years on both the             original seedling and on subsequent asexually reproduced             trees.         -   Tree form.—Upright and pruned into a vase shape.         -   Density.—Considered moderately dense.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA             Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling             requirements of the new tree is approximately 550 hours at a             temperature below 7.0 degrees C. The present variety appears             to be hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—About 19.5 cm in diameter when measured at             approximately 15.5 cm above the soil level. This measurement             was taken at the beginning of the fifth growing season.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with folds of             papery scarfskin being present. Since bark development and             coloration change with advancing tree age this             characteristic varies with the tree vigor, age and regional             conditions. Therefore, this is not a dependable descriptor             of the new variety.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The             lenticels range in size from about 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm in             width, and between about 1.0 mm and about 2.0 mm in height.             The development and size of the trunk lenticels can be             influenced, to some degree, by the ambient growing             conditions, and are not necessarily a dependable             characteristic of this variety. As trees of this variety             mature, lenticels are present, but they are generally             covered by increasing layers of cork (mature bark) and             therefore become less apparent.         -   Lenticel color.—Considered an orange brown (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 167 A).         -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to             be a greyed tan (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 174 B). This bark             description was taken from trees in their fifth leaf which             have ruptured the scarf skin, and which also have developed             bark furrowing which is much more typical of the bark of             older trees. It should be noted that the coloration of the             bark is influenced, and varies, as the smoother, darker             background color approaches other bark features such as the             lenticels, and the initial fissures which form a feature of             the scarf skin development. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium large for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.             The branches have a diameter of about 11.5 cm when measured             during the 5th year after grafting.         -   Flowering shoot thickness.—Average for the species.             Generally, the most consistent flower bud development and             therefore potential fruiting sites occur on shoots which are             about 6.0 mm in diameter or larger but generally less than             about 13.0 mm in diameter at the time of bloom.         -   Surface texture.—Average and appearing relatively smooth but             with more furrowing on wood which is several years old.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable and             are usually growing at an angle of about 45 degrees when             measured from a horizontal plane.         -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially             glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Approximately 3.0 cm.         -   Color of mature branches.—Approximately Grey brown (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 177 B).         -   Current season's shoots.—Color. — Light green (RHS             Yellow-Green Group 151 D). The color of new shoot tips is             considered a yellowed green (RHS Yellow-Green Group 151 A).             The vegetative shoot color can be significantly influenced             by plant nutrition, irrigation practices, and exposure to             sunlight, and therefore should not be considered a             consistent botanical characteristic of this new variety. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered large and substantially broad for the             species. Leaf measurements have been taken from vigorous,             upright, current-season growth, at approximately mid-shoot.             The leaf size is often influenced by prevailing growing             conditions, quality and intensity of available sunlight, and             the location of the leaf within the tree canopy. For this             reason, leaves sizes can vary significantly based upon the             ambient light and other cultural factors listed above and             are not typically considered a dependable botanical             descriptor.         -   Leaf length.—About 170.0 mm to about 175.0 mm (including the             petiole).         -   Leaf width.—About 42.0 mm to about 48.0 mm.         -   Leaf base-shape.—The leaves generally exhibit equal marginal             symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf color.—Upper Leaf Surface — Medium green (approximately             RHS Green Group 137 D).         -   Leaf texture.—         -   Upper leaf surface.—Glabrous.         -   Lower leaf surface.—Glabrous         -   Leaf color.—Lower Leaf Surface — Medium-light green             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 148 C).         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color — Considered a pale green (approximately RHS             Yellow-Green Group 150 D).         -   Leaf margins.—Gently undulating.         -   Form.—Considered crenulate.         -   Uniformity.—Generally uniform.         -   Leaf petioles.—         -   Form.—Considered canaliculated and having a more pronounced             trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect. The petiole             margin is considered rounded when viewed from the ventral             aspect.         -   Size.—Considered medium-long for the species.         -   Length.—About 12.0 mm to about 14.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 2.0 mm to about 2.5 mm.         -   Color.—A yellowed green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green             Group 150 D).         -   Texture.—Glabrous.         -   Strength.—Durable for species until senescence.         -   Leaf glands.—         -   Size.—Considered relatively small for the species;             approximately 1.5 mm in width; and about 2.0 mm in height.         -   Number.—Generally, one and less common two glands appear per             marginal side are found. Observations of more than two             glands per marginal side are very uncommon.         -   Type.—Glands located at the base of the leaf are             predominantly reniform in shape.         -   Color.—Considered a yellowed greed (approximately RHS             Yellow-Green Group 144 B). Typically, the coloration of the             glands darkens and occasionally begins to desiccate             relatively early in the growing season.         -   Leaf stipules.—         -   Size.—Medium for this variety. The leaf stipules have a             length of about 9.0 mm to about 11.0 mm and a width of about             1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.         -   Number.—Typically, 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot             tip.         -   Form.—Lanceolate in form and having a serrated marginal             edge.         -   Color.—Green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 A)             when young, but graduating to a brown color (approximately             RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 A) with advancing senescence.             The leaf stipules are generally considered to be early             deciduous. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Hardiness.—No winter injury (bud death) has been noted             during the last several years of observation in the central             San Joaquin Valley. The new variety of nectarine tree has             not been intentionally subjected to drought, cold or heat             stress, and therefore this information is not available.         -   Flower bud.—         -   Size.—Variable, and dependent on the state of maturity. The             flower buds as described were observed approximately 7 days             prior to bloom.         -   Length.—About 14.5 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 11.5 mm.         -   Surface texture.—Pubescent.         -   Orientation.—Considered appressed but appear less so as the             blossoms near opening.         -   Bud scale color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 177             A. -   Flowers:     -   -   Date of first bloom.—Observed on Feb. 21, 2020.         -   Blooming time.—Considered average to slightly early             mid-bloom in relative comparison to other commercial             nectarine cultivars grown in the central San Joaquin Valley.             The date of full bloom was observed on Feb. 26, 2020. The             date of full bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions,             and prevailing cultural practices.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 7 or more days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower class.—Considered a perfect flower, complete and             perigynous.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a non-showy             type flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered average. The flower diameter at full             bloom, is about 27.0 mm to about 30.0 mm.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.         -   Flower bud density.—Generally considered dense.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally, two flower buds appear per             node, occasionally one flower bud per node is observed.         -   Petal size.—Generally considered average for the species.         -   Petal length.—About 12.0 mm to about 15.0 mm.         -   Petal width.—About 9.5 mm to about 10.5 mm.         -   Petal form.—Considered broadly ovate.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—         -   Upper petal texture.—Very finely pubescent, satin like.         -   Lower petal texture.—Very finely pubescent, satin like.         -   Petal color.—Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage             (RHS Red Group 48 D), and darkening with advanced             senescence, and the exposure of sunlight, to a medium-dark             pink (RHS Red Group 48 C). This darkening of the petal is             generally most present within the margins of the petal claw.         -   Fragrance.—Slight.         -   Petal claw.—         -   Form.—The claw is considered ovate and is generally average.         -   Length.—About 9.5 mm.         -   Width.—About 6.5 mm.         -   Petal margins.—Generally, slightly undulate.         -   Petal apex.—Generally entire.         -   Flower pedicel.—         -   Length.—Considered medium with an approximate length of             about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 2.0 mm.         -   Color.—A light green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group             145 A) depending on pedicel and fruit maturity and timing of             visual observance.         -   Strength.—Tenacious. Average for the species.         -   Texture.—Generally smooth to slightly undulate.         -   Floral nectaries.—         -   Color.—Considered orange (approximately RHS Orange Group 26             A).         -   Calyx.—         -   Surface texture.—Generally glabrous.         -   Color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 176 B.         -   Sepals.—         -   Upper surface texture.—Moderately pubescent.         -   Lower surface texture.—Glabrous.         -   Number.—5 sepals.         -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Sepal length.—About 5.0 mm to about 7.0 mm.         -   Sepal width.—About 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm.         -   Sepal shape.—Generally obovate.         -   Sepal margin.—Considered smooth and entire.         -   Sepal color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 176 B.         -   Anthers.—         -   Generally.—Average in size. Typical anthers have a length of             about 1.5 mm, width of about 1.0 mm, and a depth of about             1.0 mm.         -   Color.—A golden yellow when viewed dorsally and prior to             dehiscence (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 15 C).         -   Position relative to stigma.—Generally, the stigma is             superior to the anthers by about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm.         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant and has a yellow color             (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 18 A).         -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.         -   Filaments.—         -   Size.—About 11.0 mm to about 15.0 mm in length.         -   Color.—Considered white (RHS Yellow Group 11 D).         -   Pistil.—         -   Number.—Usually one, and only rarely more than one.         -   Generally.—Considered medium in size.         -   Length.—About 16.5 mm to about 19.5 mm in length including             the ovary.         -   Ovary.—Glabrous.         -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (approximately RHS             Yellow-Green Group 154 D).         -   Surface texture.—The variety has a long glabrous pistil.         -   Position relative to petals.—At flower maturity the stamens             grow to be superior to the petals. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Approximately Jul. 8, 2019.         -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 18, 2019. The date of harvest can             vary with the prevailing climatic conditions, crop loads and             the current climatic and cultural practices.         -   Size.—Generally — Considered medium large.         -   Average cheek diameter.—About 78.0 mm to about 85.0 mm.         -   Average axial diameter.—About 74.0 mm to about 79.0 mm.         -   Typical weight.—Approximately 268.0 grams. The fruit size             and weight can vary and are dependent on the prevailing             cultural practices, growing conditions and therefore is not             particularly distinctive of the new variety.         -   Fruit soluble solids.—Approximately 13.0 to 15.0 Brix. Fruit             sugar levels can vary significantly depending on fruit             maturity, local and seasonal climatic conditions, fruit per             tree.         -   Fruit firmness.—Fruit flesh pressures generally averaged             12.0 pounds at the time the fruit was analyzed.         -   Titratable acidity.—Approximately 0.37 to 0.47 at commercial             harvest maturity.         -   Fruit form.—Generally — Considered globose. The fruit is             generally very uniform in symmetry.         -   Mucron tip.—Absent.         -   Fruit suture.—No stitching exists along the suture line.         -   Suture.—Color — Generally, the fruit appears blushed to the             same degree as the skin (approximately RHS Red Group 46 A).         -   Ventral surface.—Form — Considered even, and uniform in             appearance, when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural             plane.         -   Apex.—Shape — Rounded to slightly retuse.         -   Base.—Shape — Slightly retuse.         -   Stem cavity.—Generally — It extends in a rounded oval form             which is generally considered uniform. The average depth of             the stem cavity is about 6.0 mm to about 8.0 mm. The average             width of the stem cavity is about 20.0 mm. The average             length of the stem cavity, when measured in the suturial             plane is about 40.0 mm.         -   Fruit skin.—         -   Thickness.—Considered medium in thickness, and tenacious to             the flesh.         -   Surface texture.—Glabrous.         -   Taste.—Non-astringent.         -   Tendency to crack.—Not observed in the previous years of             observation and evaluation.         -   Lenticels.—The lenticels are unobtrusive.         -   Fruit skin color.—         -   Blush color.—Generally speaking, a red blush exists on a             majority of the skin of the fruit (approximately RHS Red             Group 46 A) and is more typically present on all portions of             the fruit. The blush of the fruit typically covers             approximately 90% to 95% of the fruit skin surface. The             percentage of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary,             and is generally dependent upon the fruit's exposure to             direct sunlight; specific fruit maturity; and also the             prevailing ecological and cultural conditions under which             the fruit was grown.         -   Ground color.—A medium orange-yellow (approximately RHS             Yellow-Orange Group 21 B). The ground color of the fruit can             vary significantly based upon the maturity of the fruit when             this measurement is taken.         -   Fruit glossiness.—The fruit is considered to have a medium             glossiness.         -   Fruit stem.—         -   Size.—Medium in length, about 7.0 mm to about 9.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm.         -   Color.—Pale yellow-green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green             Group N144 C).         -   Fruit flesh.—         -   Ripening.—Considered even.         -   Texture.—Firm, juicy and dense. Considered non-melting in             flesh classification.         -   Fibers.—Present but not prominent.         -   Aroma.—Slight.         -   Eating quality.—Considered very good.         -   Flavor.—Considered balanced with sweetness with medium-low             acidity.         -   Juice production.—Moderate.         -   Flesh color.—It is considered yellow (approximately RHS             Yellow-Orange Group 16 B). Occasionally red flecking occurs             near the outer flesh margin. Additionally, a small margin of             this same color can be seen in the flesh at the border of             the stone (approximately RHS Red Group 45 C). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Considered a cling stone.         -   Size.—It is generally considered to be medium for the             species. The stone size varies significantly depending upon             the tree vigor, the crop load, and the prevailing growing             and cultural conditions under which the tree was grown.         -   Length.—Average, about 34.0 mm to about 40.0 mm.         -   Width.—Average, about 28.0 mm to about 30.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—Average, about 20.0 mm to about 22.0 mm.         -   Form.—Roughly ovoid.         -   Stone base.—Shape — The stone is considered shortly             attenuate.         -   Apex.—Shape — The stone exhibits a slight acute apex.         -   Stone surface.—         -   Surface texture.—Considered irregularly furrowed toward the             apex. Less pitting than average exists in the mid-portion of             the stone (laterally) and is more common toward the base.         -   Ridges.—Ridging is generally more prominent, and is usually             oriented parallel and laterally relative at the ventral and             dorsal margins.         -   Ventral edge.—The ventral edge is generally is described as             having adjoining ridges formed from each hemisphere. There             are longitudinal grooves running alongside this joined             ventral suture. Secondarily, there can exist an additional             set of parallel ridges, one on each side of the major ridge.             These secondary ridges are less prominent and do not always             extend from the hilum to the apex.         -   Dorsal edge.—Shape — Generally considered even. The folds of             the surface ridges appearing on the external margins often             end gently along the suture.         -   Stone color.—The color of a mature, dry stone is generally             considered a sandy brown (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 164 B). Stone color can vary considering how recently             the fruit has ripened, harvested, degree of oxidation,             surface drying and blanching due to exposure sunlight.         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting has rarely been noted. -   Kernel:     -   -   Length.—About 17.0 mm to about 20.0 mm.         -   Width.—About 13.0 mm to about 16.0 mm.         -   Thickness.—About 5.0 mm to about 7.0 mm.         -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium in size.         -   Form.—Considered generally ovoid.         -   Kernel surface texture.—Kernel pellicle is shortly             pubescent.         -   Color.—A dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 167 C).         -   Use.—The present variety ‘Wanectfour’ is a nectarine tree of             the mid-season of maturity, and which produces fruit which             are considered to be firm, attractively colored, and which             are useful for both local and long-distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit of the present             variety has stored well for periods of up to 30 days after             harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new nectarine tree             variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage             after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing             procedures.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No susceptibilities were             noted. The present variety has not been intentionally tested             to expose or detect any susceptibilities or resistances to             any known plant, fruit diseases, insect, frost, winter             injury or other environmental factors.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, variations of the usual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest control, frost, climatic variables and changes in horticultural management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of nectarine tree, what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of nectarine tree substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, clingstone nectarine which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately July 8 to July 18 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 